225 V6 Fuel Pump - Blocked Off Return. Good?

My fuel pump started leaking in the 225 V6. Same old story, aftermarket tank, no provision for return line. On the new pump, I simply blocked the fuel return at the pump and added a fuel pressure regulator because it was way to high. Pressure is now good. I have an electric pump before the mechanical so I haven't experienced the vapor lock issue I've read about. This is the way it came from the previous owner and I haven't changed it.

My question is, am I good to go with this setup or will blocking off the return on the pump ruin it.

Thanks.

 

No, just no! The reason your pump failed was because you are feeding it with the electric fuel pump. Think supercharger. The mechanical pump uses a diaphragm
and is good at sucking fuel. Use one pump or the other and remove one from the fuel circuit. This is most likely the reason you had high fuel pressure. Check your
oil level and make sure you don't have fuel in the oil. Better yet, just change the oil. If the diaphragm splits the gas can be pumped in to the engine in short order.
I have heard of people capping the return on the mechanical pump with no problems. If the cap comes off or leaks then there is a problem. Mechanical pumps are
available without the return connection. The best thing is to run a return line and has been discussed on the site. Some have used an electric pump as a back up but
only plumb it in when needed and not through the mechanical pump. Others have used the mechanical pump to feed a reservoir with an electric pump internal to the
small tank to feed the fuel injectors with a higher pressure without resorting to in tank electric fuel pumps. This also helps to supply fuel from the small tank in off camber
or up hill situations when the main fuel tank pickup is not receiving fuel.

 

Good points and thanks. I normally don't use the electric pump and it has a switch. Sometimes I flip is on for a second after the jeep has been sitting. I don't know the internals of the electric pump but the mech pump is able to draw fuel through it. When I plugged the return port on the mech pump the pressure went crazy so something is not right and makes me think the return line is also used to regulate pressure. I'm going to have to pull the tank and add a return port.

 

My 71 came with the blocked return port in 84 when I purchased it. It's run that way ever since with no adverse effects.

 

The supply line uses the threaded female connection. If you are connected there and have high pressure there is an issue with the pump. It could be the electric pump
damaged it somehow. Not sure. Good to add the return line but it seems your pump has an issue. Regulators are normally used so the float valve can control the fuel
at the carburetor when in rough terrain. Less pressure for the needle/seat to hold back or shut off.